Epidemiologist

The Epidemiology and Real World Science (Epi-RWS) team is a growing group within the Alexion-AstraZenca Rare Disease Unit which is driving the scientific use of Real World Data to accelerate the way that patients access innovative medicines. 

The Epidemiologist is a scientific role that involves supporting the development and execution of impactful epidemiological deliverables that deepen our understanding of rare diseases, with a focus on Alexion’s clinical development programs and post-marketing studies.

The role involves working closely with other Epidemiologists and Real World Data Scientists in the department to support the development, execution, interpretation and communication of scientifically robust stage-appropriate evidence that enhances decision-making across the portfolio, such as: conducting literature reviews; characterizing incidence and prevalence to support regulatory and safety documents; critically appraising & synthesizing relevant literature; analysis of real-world databases; describing patient characteristics, natural history, treatment patterns and outcomes; quantification of event rates and phenotypic / genotypic traits or associations; and landscaping for suitable data-sources. 

This role involves supporting engagements with colleagues across the company, including: Clinical Development, Global Patient Safety, Regulatory Affairs, Global Medical Affairs, and Global Marketing.  The Epidemiologist may participate in cross-functional teams and sub-team meetings, under the guidance of senior members of the Epi-RWS department when appropriate.

The Epidemiologist must have mature team-working behaviors with organizational awareness and insight.  The ideal candidate will have experience with analysis and interpretation of epidemiologic data within the context of rare diseases and a passion for applying epidemiology to support life-transforming therapies for patients.

You will be responsible for:

• Supporting the planning, development, and execution of Epidemiology deliverables, with a focus on Alexion’s clinical development programs and post-marketing studies, including: conducting literature reviews, characterizing incidence and prevalence to support regulatory and safety documents; critically appraising & synthesizing relevant literature; analysis of real-world databases; describing patient characteristics, natural history, treatment patterns and outcomes; quantification of event rates and phenotypic / genotypic traits or associations; and landscaping for suitable data-sources.

• Providing epidemiology support into study protocols, analysis plans, and regulatory documents.

• Summarizing results in written reports and oral presentations. 

• May participate in cross-functional team meetings and supporting the presentation of summary findings to Alexion internal/external stakeholders.

• Maintaining awareness of epidemiology with respect to regulatory requirements, payer trends, and advancement of pharmacoepidemiology methods.

• Travel may be required (up to 10%).

You will need to have:

• MPH/MSc in Epidemiology or closely related discipline.

• The duties of this role are generally conducted in an office environment.  As is typical of an office-based role, employees must be able, with or without an accommodation to: use a computer; engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging; engage in problem solving and non-linear thought, analysis, and dialogue; collaborate with others; maintain general availability during standard business hours.

We would prefer for you to have:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Knowledge of drug and clinical development processes.

• Excellent attention to detail and scientific rigor

• Ability to work under pressure and lead by example.

• Hands-on experience implementing or designing studies using RWD (e.g., through use of proprietary analytics platforms and/or statistical programming in R, Python, SAS etc)

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams

• Thorough and up-to-date technical knowledge of epidemiology and relevant biostatistics methods

Alexion Canada

Since beginning our operations in Canada in 2009, Alexion has been working tirelessly to bring innovative medicines to the millions of Canadians living with rare diseases. Our pioneering 30-year legacy, our scientific expertise and our commitment to patient-centric decision-making are the foundations of what we are today – a company with a mission to transform lives.

Our Canadian team

We know that people living with a rare disease and their families deserve our unwavering commitment and investment into finding and accessing therapies that help them live longer, fuller lives. Our presence in Canada has grown to over 200 employees and includes a global research and development hub, made up of highly skilled professionals responsible for conducting our clinical trials in Canada and around the world, as well as our dedicated and passionate local teams that ensures our treatments reach those who need them. Together, we are driving patient impact locally and globally.

How we work
When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That’s why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn’t mean we’re not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

Alexion embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements. Alexion is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects of the recruitment, assessment and selection process and may be requested by emailing AZCHumanResources@astrazeneca.com.

Date Posted

Closing Date

Alexion is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging where every single person can belong because of their uniqueness. The Company will not make decisions about employment, training, compensation, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment based on race, color, religion, creed or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, marital status, pregnancy, (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), parental status (including adoption or surrogacy), military status, protected veteran status, disability, medical condition, gender identity or expression, genetic information, mental illness or other characteristics protected by law. Alexion provides reasonable accommodations to meet the needs of candidates and employees. To begin an interactive dialogue with Alexion regarding an accommodation, please contact accommodations@Alexion.com. Alexion participates in E-Verify.